Crowds buzzing for National Day-themed drone show over Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour
‘Galloping Horses in the Sky’ was the theme of the 12-minute drone show
Tens of thousands of spectators descended on the Hong Kong harbourfront for a National Day-themed drone show on Saturday evening, with visitors and locals alike expressing excitement.
“Galloping Horses in the Sky” was the theme of the show that started at 8pm over Victoria Harbour, drawing locals and tourists undeterred by heavy rain earlier in the day.
Thousands had already gathered in Wan Chai an hour before the start, with tourists saying they had decided to arrive early to snag a prime viewing spot.
However, the show ended three minutes earlier than expected, running for 12 minutes rather than 15 minutes.
Around 1,500 drones lit up the skies, recreating the likeness of four iconic paintings by renowned Chinese artist Xu Beihong, including galloping horses, roaring lions and blooming Chinese redbuds.
Spectators had their phones out to record the show as soon as the first notes of 1970s singer Michael Kwan Ching-kit’s “Pearl of the Orient” began playing in the background.
Some people could be seen singing along, while large formations such as the galloping horses and a flower opening drew oohs and aahs. But it was pandas that caused the loudest commotion among spectators, as children shrieked with delight.